25-05-2025
Gilas Youth off to 2-0 start with 45-point thrashing of Thailand
Gilas Pilipinas Youth literally waxed hot right from the get-go as it demolished Thailand by 45 points, 87-42, to remain spotless in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers on Sunday at the Bren Z. Guiao Sports Complex.
All Gilas needed was a furious first quarter, where the hosts unleashed 31 points and limited the visitors to a tough one-point performance, to create the separation it needed.
The Thais managed to put the clamps on the Filipinos come the second period, but that wasn't enough as the Philippines mounted a 47-20 halftime cushion.
Batang Gilas didn't look back since then en route to another lopsided victory, which came just 24 hours after dealing Vietnam a 113-62 defeat.
Carl Gabriel De Los Reyes and Prince Cariño formed a one-two punch with the former flirting with a double-double of 16 points and nine rebounds, laced with two assists and one block while the latter churned out 15 markers, seven boards, and one dime as the youthful Filipinos improved to 2-0.
Andwele Cabañero provided the help with 10 points, four rebounds, and two assists while Evareign Cruz chipped in 12 markers off the bench.
No player from Thailand breached the double-digit mark, but it got its offense from Lorenzo Ravazzini and Nattachai Korkaewkulapat who both finished with seven points with the former also grabbing 12 rebounds.
The loss sent Thailand to an even 1-1 card, as it previously prevailed over Malaysia during the opening day with a 56-47 victory.
Gilas will take on Singapore next as it looks to retain its immaculate run in the tournament.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
